Method and apparatus for light illumination with light spread diffusion in a vehicle light

ABSTRACT

A lighting fixture for vehicles is described herein. The light fixture is configured to produce a variable light output with variable angle of light spread. A light source, such as a series of connected light emitting diodes, encapsulated by optics, are affixed to a light fixture. A series of optics facing the light source may thus be manipulated and moved in a linear fashion towards or away from a light source in order to achieve a particular angle of light spread. The optics are controlled by a controller coupled to the light fixture and may function in an automated method or may respond to manual control. An adjustability mechanism assembly existing within and coupled to the light fixture operates the series of optics in a linear fashion towards or away from a light source. The light fixtures produce a range of light spreads from a focused spot light to a wider flood light.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The illustrative embodiments relate generally to an improved system forillumination for vehicles, and more particularly, to a method andapparatus for adjusting the angle of spread of light from a narrow anglespot light to a wide angle flood light embedded into a single lightingsystem for vehicles, especially vehicles designed for purposes ofunsteady and uneven terrain, such as, without limitation, off-roadvehicles and sport utility vehicles.

2. Background Art

In any off-road vehicle, the characteristics of illumination as producedby the lighting systems assembled with the vehicle are of criticalimportance to the driver. In off-road vehicles, lighting systems arefrequently utilized in nighttime driving, and frequently travel overrough and uneven terrain or surfaces.

In the off-road vehicle industry, a light stick is the term commonlyused for an enclosed lighting unit, which is frequently combined with alight source such as a set of light emitting diodes (hereinafterreferred to as LED or LEDs). Such LED lights are oftentimes enclosed ina single housing unit, whereby the lighting unit may be programmed toprovide additional lighting for aiding a driver and may be mounted orfixed to the vehicle.

Typically, the angle of spread is fixed for a single light stick,meaning that the light produced by the set of LEDs is emitted at adefined, non-variable angle of spread. Angle of spread refers to thebeam angle that a beam of light as produced by the LED in conjunctionwith an optic or reflector can be measured or described. When measured,the beam angle is measured in degrees. A range of terms is also used tocharacterize or describe the light beam angle ranging from very narrowspot light to wide flood light.

A method to calculate the beam angle and more technical definitionstates that the beam angle is the angle between those points on oppositeside of the light beam axis where the intensity of the light emitteddrops to 50% of the maximum. The measurement is determined in terms ofdegrees. LED lighting like most lights come with a variety ofdescriptions for the size of the area illuminated by the light bulb.Examples include LED flood light, LED spot light, narrow beam LED light,and wide beam LED strip lights. Each is a way of stating LED beam angle.Typically a narrow beam angle is a ‘spot’ of light and a broader beamangle ‘floods’ an area with light, called a flood light. LED beam anglesare not used consistently by light bulb manufacturers. Generally usedterms for the angle of spread of light beams include, very narrow spot,narrow spot, spot, narrow flood, flood, wide flood, and very wide flood.Thus, the angle of spread of light emanating from a light source has avariety of angles at which the light beam may be set to function.

The different beam angles of spread serve different purposes. Lightbeams projected at narrow angle can function to illuminate at a furtherdistance for an off road vehicle. In contrast to the narrow spot light,when a wide flood beam is utilized, the user seeks to illuminate a widergeneral area.

A significant limitation to the type of light beam available to a useris that presently available apparatuses only provide the ability toimplement a fixed set of light spreads that is emitted from an auxiliaryvehicle LED light stick or light bar. In other words, the light spreademitted is either a fixed set of narrow light beam or a wide light beamor combination. It would be desirable to provide the ability to have anadjustable light spread, so that the user may select the necessary lightspread according to the surroundings and the optimal type of lightingrequired on the same auxiliary vehicle LED system.

Many of the currently available processes for installing auxiliaryvehicle LED lights to a vehicle is often a labor intensive, expensive,time-consuming, and arduous process that may result in permanentmodifications and alterations to the appearance and operating system ofa motor vehicle. Thus, it is desirable that illumination options bemaximized to reduce the labor and cost associated with suchinstallation.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The presently disclosed subject matter was devised in view of these andother problems and features in association with the conventional art. Anillustrative embodiment provides a lighting unit with an adjustablelight component, whereby the light beams emitted from the lighting unitmay be modified to suit the needs of the user. In the illustrativeembodiment, the light beams emitted from a same lighting unit may beadjusted within a set range in order to produce a beam of light asnarrow or wide as needed to suit the needs of the user. In oneembodiment, the light source is intended for use as vehicle auxiliarylights, whereby the light source is attached either on the exterior orinterior structure of a vehicle, or both.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features believed characteristic of the invention are setforth in the appended claims. The illustrative embodiments, as well as apreferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, willbest be understood by reference to the following detailed descriptionwhen read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1A, FIG. 1B, and FIG. 1C are illustrations of a total internalreflection optic with a diffuser coupled with another optic inaccordance with an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 1D, FIG. 1E, and FIG. 1F are illustrations of a configuration ofanother total internal reflection optic coupled with another optic inaccordance with an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 1G, FIG. 1H, and FIG. 1I are illustrations of a light sourcecoupled to a plano convex lens optic in accordance with an illustrativeembodiment;

FIG. 1J, FIG. 1K, and FIG. 1L are illustrations of a light sourcecoupled to a total internal reflection optic in accordance withillustrative embodiments;

FIG. 2A is an illustration of light output and light spread inaccordance with illustrative embodiments;

FIG. 2B is an illustration of light output and light spread inaccordance with illustrative embodiments;

FIG. 2C is an illustration of light output and light spread inaccordance with illustrative embodiments;

FIG. 2D is an illustration of light output and light spread inaccordance with illustrative embodiments

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of components of a light fixture for a vehiclein accordance with an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of components of a light fixture for a vehiclein accordance with an illustrative embodiment; and

FIG. 5A is an illustration of an optic adapted to operate with anadjustability mechanism assembly in accordance with an illustrativeembodiment;

FIG. 5B is an illustration of an optic adapted to operate with anadjustability mechanism assembly in accordance with an illustrativeembodiment;

FIG. 5C is an illustration of an optic adapted to operate with anadjustability mechanism assembly in accordance with an illustrativeembodiment;

FIG. 5D is an illustration of an optic adapted to operate with anadjustability mechanism assembly in accordance with an illustrativeembodiment;

FIG. 6 is a pictorial illustration of light fixtures and a controllervia programmable wire in accordance with an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a controller utilizing a programmable wirefor a light fixture for a vehicle in accordance with an illustrativeembodiment;

FIG. 8 is an illustration of a wired controller for a light fixture fora vehicle in accordance with an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a wired controller for a light fixture fora vehicle in accordance with an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 10 is an illustration of a wireless controller with additionalcomponents for use with a light fixture in accordance with anillustrative embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a wireless controller with additionalcomponents for use with a light fixture in accordance with anillustrative embodiment; and

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a process for varying an angle ofspread of a light source in a light fixture coupled to a surface of avehicle in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Frequently, it is desirable or necessary to attach one or more auxiliarylight devices to a vehicle. This may be necessary for various emergencyvehicles, such as police cars, fire trucks, as well as public utilityvehicles. Additionally, off road vehicles are often retroactively fittedwith auxiliary light devices that provide additional lighting for avariety of purposes.

The different illustrative embodiments recognize and take into accountthat regarding illumination, it would be desirable to provide theability to adjust a light spread emitted from an auxiliary LED lightingunit. Specifically, the ability to provide the user with a range oflight spreads emitted as either a narrow spot light or a wide floodlight. The prior art has been deficient in producing any such lightingunits, particularly for use with vehicles. Additionally, vehicles have aharsh working environment with many moving parts and components, and anyauxiliary light fixtures must be able to operate in conjunction withvarying weather conditions, including extreme hot or cold temperatures,rain, snow, hail, and other such conditions. The prior art does notdescribe any effective method for incorporating in an individual unit alight fixture, operable with a vehicle's existing power source andsystems, whereby the light fixture produces an output of light withvariable, adjustable angles of light spread to suit the needs of adriver of this vehicle.

Referring now to FIG. 1A-FIG. 1L, a pictorial illustration of variousconfigurations for producing a light spread with varying angles isprovided. It is understood that these embodiments are not limited tothose shown in FIG. 1A-FIG. 1L, which may be examples of the method andapparatus discussed herein. FIG. 1A-FIG. 1L provides a few of theenvisioned components for achieving the varying angle of light spreaddesired by a driver of a vehicle with a light fixture in accordance withthe illustrated embodiments.

Although the illustrative embodiments described herein have beendisclosed in the context of certain illustrative, non-limitingembodiments, it should be understood that various changes,substitutions, permutations, and alterations can be made withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention as defined by the appendedclaims. Any feature that is described in connection to any oneembodiment may also be applicable to any other embodiment. It is alsounderstood that other embodiments may be utilized and that logicalstructural, mechanical, electrical and chemical changes may be madewithout departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

FIG. 1A, FIG. 1B, and FIG. 1C are provided along with the presentdisclosure. FIG. 1A portrays a side view of an optic in accordance withan illustrative embodiment. FIG. 1B portrays a front view of an opticassembly whereby the top and the base of the optic are within view. FIG.1C depicts an interior cross-section of the optic that is displayed inFIG. 1A and FIG. 1B. Thus, the optic assembly displayed in FIG. 1B isalso displayed in FIG. 1B and FIG. 1C.

As seen in FIG. 1A, a light source 102 is affixed to optic 106. Thelight output 110 is reflected off of the sides of optic 106 and directedin a forward direction through a first optic 106. The light output 110produced by the light source 102 continues to transmit through thesecond optic 108. In a preferred embodiment, first optic 106 and secondoptic 108 both include a diffuser on one of the surfaces of the firstoptic 106 and second optic 108. As seen in FIG. 1A, first optic 106 andsecond optic 108 appear to have a textured surface to represent thediffusers.

The diffuser is essentially a textured surface located on these opticswhich functions to disseminate the light output from the light source ina more uniform manner. Oftentimes, such diffusers for optics, such asfirst optic 106 and second optic 108 are known as “flutes” and theoptics are described to be “fluted”. The flutes may appear as eithervertical lines or horizontal lines on the surface of the optic lenses.In FIG. 1A, FIG. 1B, and FIG. 1C, these flutes are illustrated as theset of curved lines on the surfaces of the optics, optic 106 and optic108.

By including optic 106, a greater amount of light from light output 110is actually reflected off of the internal surfaces of the optic, thusincreasing the light output efficiency. Optic 106 is an example of aTotal Internal Reflection (TIR) optic. Oftentimes, such optic may beparabolic shaped, however, there are other shapes that may be used aswell for achieving Total Internal Reflection.

Total Internal Reflection optic can be described to catch the lightoutput emitted from a light source, such as light output 110, andredirect the light output in a forward direction through another surfaceto more effectively distribute the light output in the direction thatone would typically want the light output to be distributed. Instead ofallowing the light output to “fan out” along the outside edges, thelight output, such as light output 110, is naturally directed to thesides of optic 106, and at a critical angle where a portion of lightoutput 110 meets with the sides of optic 106, this portion of lightoutput is projected in a forward direction. As a result, light output110 is more focused and uniformly distributed. A Total InternalReflection optic (TIR) may also be described herein as an internalreflecting optic or an internal reflection optic.

Additionally, first optic 106 and 108 have fluted surfaces. These flutedsurfaces operate to more effectively distribute the light output ineither a horizontal or vertical direction, depending on the direction ofthe flutes. In accordance with an illustrative embodiment, thepositioning of second optic 108 may be moved linearly closer to orfarther from first optic 106, which would result in a change in thelight spread of the light output provided by the light source. Theillustrated methods and apparatuses described herein provided for asystem for manipulating the position of the second optic with respect tothe first optic, either automatically or manually to assist the driverwith lighting capabilities not previously available in auxiliary vehiclelighting.

FIG. 1A provides a front view and FIG. 1C provides a cross-sectionperspective of a light assembly as seen in FIG. 1A. LED 102 is containedwithin an optic, such as optic 106. In a preferred embodiment, optic 106is a fluted TIR optic with a fluted optic 106. Additionally, in apreferred embodiment, optic 108 is a fluted lens. In accordance with amethod as described herein, by manipulating the position of fluted lens108 with respect to fluted TIR optic 106 the light beams emitted by LED102 may be made to vary in angle of spread. Thus, the same lightassembly is configured to produce a range of very narrow to very widelight beam.

FIG. 1D, FIG. 1E, and FIG. 1F illustrate another embodiment using asecondary method, whereby two optics are also utilized. FIG. 1D is meantto portray an image of one side of an optic in accordance with anillustrative embodiment. FIG. 1E is meant to portray a view of an opticassembly from a frontal perspective whereby the top and the base of theoptic are visible. FIG. 1F is meant to depict an interior cross-sectionof the optic assembly that is displayed in FIG. 1D and FIG. 1E. Thus,the optic assembly in FIG. 1D is also displayed in FIG. 1E and FIG. 1F.

Second optic 120 may be manually or automatically moved in a lineardirection closer to or farther from first optic 118. The light output116, when exiting from the light source 112 connects with the internalsides of the TIR optic 118 and is directed outwardly and in a forwarddirection through first optic 118. As illustrated in FIG. 1D, firstoptic 118 and second optic 120 are not fluted or textured surfaces. Inaccordance with an illustrative embodiment, first optic 118 represents aTIR convex optic while second optic 120 represents a plano-concavesurface.

FIG. 1E and FIG. 1F provide for an illustrative embodiment of a frontview as well as a cross-sectional view of an exemplary combination ofoptic 118 and optic 120 in accordance with the apparatus and methoddescribed for FIGS. 1D, 1E, and 1F. These illustrations are meant forexemplary purposes, and not meant to limit the scope or addition ofother components that may be combined with such a unit. As seen in FIG.1D, in a preferred embodiment, optic 120 may be a plano-concave lens. Aplano-concave lens has at least one concave surface, and is a type ofoptical lens. A plano concave lens is oriented with the plano or flatside of the lens towards the desired focal plane. As seen in FIG. 1D andFIG. 1F, the plano side of the plano concave lens is facing outwards forallowing light beams 116 to project to any area located in front of thelens, and the concave portion of the lens is facing towards optic 118. Aconcave shape refers to a lens with an inward curve, whereby the lensportion is rounded in an inwards direction. A convex shape refers to anoutwardly directed curve, thus the terms concave and convex are oppositefor describing the shape of the lenses with respect to one another. In apreferred embodiment for FIGS. 1D, 1E, and 1F, the light assemblycombination of optic 118, may be a convex TIR optic. Light source 112 isdepicted as an LED, which provides the light beams for manipulation bypositioning optic 120 with respect to optic 118.

The methods differ in FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B in that by providing a flutedsurface for a first and second optic, in addition to altering the angleof the light spread emitted, the overall dimensions of the light spreadmay be altered as well when utilizing the method provided in FIG. 2A.Therefore, the output of the shape of light need not be limited to acircular design.

This can be further seen in FIG. 2A, FIG. 2B, FIG. 2C, and FIG. 2D.Light spread 204 is pictured in FIG. 2A as being elliptically shaped incontrast to light spread 208 in FIG. 2B, which is conical or cone likein shape. 208 may also be described as being more circular in shape thanthe elliptical effect achieved for light spread 204 as seen in FIG. 2A.Thus, by using two optics, both of which have fluted surfaces as shownin FIG. 1A, FIG. 1B, FIG. 1C, the illustrative embodiments provide foradjustable angles of light spread as well as adjustable dimensions ofthe shape of the light spread.

FIG. 1G, FIG. 1H, and FIG. 1I illustrate light source 122 without theuse of a TIR optic enclosing the light source as seen in FIG. 1A, FIG.1B, FIG. 1C, FIG. 1D, FIG. 1E, and FIG. 1F. FIG. 1G, FIG. 1H, and FIG.1I are provided in the present disclosure. FIG. 1G shows an image of oneside of an optic in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. FIG. 1Hportrays a view of an optic assembly from a frontal perspective wherebythe top and the base of the optic are within view. Thus, the opticassembly in FIG. 1G is also displayed in FIG. 1H as seen from adifferent perspective visually. Additionally, FIG. 1I illustrates across-sectional view of the components of FIG. 1H.

The embodiments shown in FIG. 1G, FIG. 1H, and FIG. 1I provide for useof a plano convex lens as optic 126. Optic 126 may be maneuvered in alinear direction either towards or away from light source 122 in orderto alter the angle of light spread for light output 124. In accordancewith one embodiment seen in FIG. 1G, FIG. 1H, and FIG. 1I, light source122 may be an LED.

FIG. 1G illustrates a front view of a plano convex lens 126 located inproximity to light source 122. In FIGS. 1G-1I, the method intended foruse with this configuration of optics and light source, would providefor the optic 126 to be manipulated linearly towards or away from lightsource 122. Other components and elements may be included in a lightfixture encompassing a light source, such as light source 122 and optic126.

FIG. 1J, FIG. 1K, and FIG. 1L illustrates another method for achievingalterable angle of light spread using a single optic. FIG. 1J, FIG. 1K,and FIG. 1L are provided. FIG. 1J portrays an image of one side of anoptic in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. FIG. 1K portrays aview of an optic assembly from a frontal perspective whereby the top andthe base of the optic are within view. FIG. 1L depicts an interiorcross-section of the optic that is also displayed in FIG. 1J and FIG.1K. Thus, the optic assembly in FIG. 1J is also displayed in FIG. 1K andFIG. 1L.

FIG. 1J illustrates an embodiment whereby light source 128 is stationaryand TIR optic 136 may be manipulated in a linear direction within arange either closer to or further away from light source 128. Channel134 in the interior of TIR optic 136 allows for TIR optic 136 to move ina linear direction forwards and backwards. By utilizing a TIR optic 136with light source 128 affixed in the hollow of TIR optic 136, greaterefficiency and emission of a focused direction of output of light 130may be achieved, as compared with FIG. 1G, FIG. 1H, and FIG. 1I. Inaccordance with an embodiment of the method herein, light source 128 mayalso be a LED. An LED is illustrated in FIG. 1J as light source 128.

FIG. 1K and FIG. 1L illustrate a front view and a cross-section view ofthe optics envisioned for use with the method and apparatus connectedwith the embodiments shown in these figures. In an exemplary embodiment,without limitation as to other possible embodiments, optic 136 is thecombination of a plano convex TIR optic. Light source 128 may be fixedto stay stationary within the hollow of optic 136. Channel 134 is ameans by which the entire optic 136 may be manipulated to move linearlytowards or away from light source 128 while capturing maximum amount oflight spread for greater efficiency.

While these embodiments displayed in the above-mentioned figures may beutilized, each offers unique characteristics that vary with the use ofeither a single optic or a plurality of optics, as well as with the useof a TIR optic. In a preferred embodiment, the optic assembly asportrayed in FIGS. 1J-1L would be utilized since this method andapparatus provides optical-efficiency and the ease of using a singleoptic. Optical-efficiency refers to reduced amount of light lossoriginally produced by a light source, such as light source 102, 112,122, and 128.

It is to be noted that the illustrative embodiments in FIG. 1A and FIG.1D allow for the varying of the angle of light spread, as well as thedimensions of the light output are also alterable. FIG. 1A provides foran elliptically shaped output of light versus the conical shape that istypically produced using the embodiments shown in FIG. 1D and FIG. 1Gand FIG. 1J. The conical shape is achieved for all three otherembodiments shown in FIG. 2B, FIG. 2C, and FIG. 2D.

Furthermore, in accordance with the illustrative embodiments, it isintended that the light sources and optics are contained in a lightfixture that may be affixed to a surface of a vehicle. FIG. 3 includesadditional embodiments of some of the components included in FIG. 1A,FIG. 1D, FIG. 1G, and FIG. 1J as described as existing within a lightfixture for a vehicle.

FIG. 2A, FIG. 2B, FIG. 2C, and FIG. 2D provide a pictorial illustrationof the output of light shapes for the embodiments illustrated in FIG.1A, FIG. 1D, FIG. 1G, and FIG. 1J. Accordingly, the shape of the lightoutput and adjustability of the angle of light spread in FIG. 1A, FIG.1D, FIG. 1G, and FIG. 1J correlate respectively to FIG. 2A, FIG. 2B,FIG. 2C, and FIG. 2D. Accordingly, the embodiment shown in FIG. 1Ccorrelates to FIG. 2A. The embodiment shown in FIG. 1F correlates toFIG. 2B. The embodiment shown in FIG. 1I correlates to FIG. 2C.Additionally, the embodiment shown in FIG. 1L correlates to FIG. 2D. Asused herein, the angle of light spread is a measurement set in degrees.Light beams range from very narrow light spread to various in betweendesignations up to being characterized as a wide flood light spread. Theangle of light spread can indicate in numerical measurements whether alight beam can be considered to be a narrow spot light or a wide floodlight and all the range of designations in between.

FIG. 2A, FIG. 2B, FIG. 2C, and FIG. 2D illustrate both the narrowspotlight and widest flood beam that each of the embodiments shown inFIG. 1A, FIG. 1D, FIG. 1G, and FIG. 1J may produce depending on theplacement of their integral components and optics. Light spread 202,206, 210, and 214 in FIG. 2A, FIG. 2B, FIG. 2D, and FIG. 2C,respectively, are intended to illustrate a narrow spot light or what issometimes described to be a very narrow spot light. Such spot lights maybe described often as being less than 7 degrees in measurement. In apreferred embodiment of an ideal method and system, it is intended thatthe narrow spotlight of light spread 202, 206, 210, and 214, be capableof achieving, but is not limited to, a measurement of at least a 5×5degree of light spread. This would achieve a very narrow spot lighteffect.

At the end of the other spectrum, light spread 204, 208, 212, and 216represent a flood light spread or a wide flood light achieved using thesame components that were used to achieve a narrow spot light. A floodlight as measured in degrees is oftentimes considered to exist at leastwhen the light spread produced from the light source is at least 60degrees.

FIG. 2A displays an elliptically shaped output of light due to thelinear adjustment of a second fluted optic 108 as seen in FIG. 1A-1C.Additionally, because light spread 204 is represented as a wide floodlight, the position of second fluted optic 108 is at its farthest fromfirst optic 106. It is noticeable that the flutes are verticallyaligned, thus producing a horizontally oriented elliptical shape for theoutput of light in FIG. 2A. FIG. 2A provides versatility in theorientation and overall dimensions of the output of light as well asproviding a range of angle of light spreads to produce a range of verynarrow spot lights to wide flood lights in a single light fixture tosuit the needs of the driver of the vehicle.

Spot lights tend to be used to highlight a particularly smaller area.Spot lights serve to define and focus in on a narrower area that needslighting. Flood lights provide general lighting of a wider to a muchwider area and allow a viewer to see over a larger area, without as muchhighlighting and focus as a spot light. The light beams are projectedover either a very narrow range to produce a spot light or over a widerrange to produce a flood light.

Turning to FIG. 3, a block diagram describing the components of anauxiliary light fixture for a vehicle are described in accordance withan illustrative embodiment. The different embodiments shown in FIG. 1Aand FIG. 1D and FIG. 2A-FIG. 2B may be configured to operate inaccordance with components present in FIG. 3.

FIG. 3 includes vehicle 316. In a general embodiment, vehicle 316 may beany type of automobile. Vehicle 316 may also be a vehicle that isutilized as an emergency vehicle. In a preferred embodiment, vehicle 316may be described as an off-road vehicle. While well-suited to anoff-road vehicle, lighting fixture 302 may also clearly be utilized inany type of automobile to suit the needs of its driver, including fordriving in a city or suburban or agricultural setting. No limitationsare placed herein on the use of light fixture 302 or vehicle 316.

Light fixture 302 is an enclosed apparatus containing light source 312.In accordance with different illustrative embodiments, a preferredmethod includes using a set of light emitting diodes or LEDs as known inthe field to serve for light source 312. Light fixture 302 may also befunctionally equivalent to and described as a light stick, light barhead, light bar module, and/or LED light bar.

Light output 322 refers to the output as well as the overall shape oflight beam projected by light source 312 as well as after the lightbeams are projected through any optics, such as first optic 306. Lightoutput 322 is thus the resulting effect of light after passing throughany surfaces after emission from light source 312. Angle of light spread324 refers to the angle of light spread of light output 322. Aspreviously described, angle of light spread 324 is usually measured indegrees. Additionally, angle of light spread 324 is described in termsof very narrow to narrow spot light and proceeds through variouscharacterizations of narrow light until a flood light results because aparticular range of degrees is achieved. Spot lights are usually meantto define or highlight a narrow area in front of a light source. Floodlights provide a wider view and general area of lighting in front of alight source. In a preferred embodiment, it is intended that the methodand apparatus described herein may achieve a narrow spot light of atleast 5×5 degrees and a wide flood light of at least but not limited to60×60 degrees, as depicted in FIGS. 2A-2D. Nevertheless, this is meantto be exemplary, and not a limitation in any way on the dimensions orangles achieved for the angle of light spread 324 or light output 322.

Housing 304 is meant to describe part of the overall structurecontaining the components of light fixture 302. Housing 304 may be partof the overall apparatus. In some embodiments, housing 304 may becoupled with light fixture 302. Light fixture 302 may ultimately beinstalled as an after-market accessory or with the vehicle. Lightfixture 302 is intended in the different embodiments to includecomponents for installation of light fixture 302 onto a surface of avehicle. There are no limitations as to the placement of light fixture302.

Power source 320 provides the power to the unit of light fixture 302. Inaccordance with some embodiments of the invention, power source 320 maybe the power distribution system of a vehicle which is commonly known toone of ordinary skill in the art as a car battery. Light fixture 302will include a component for connecting to the car battery or powerports in a vehicle, such as vehicle 316.

First optic 306 and second optic 308 are a set of optical devices, whosesurface features and material allow for the transfer and distribution oflight through the optical device. In accordance with the illustrativeembodiments, such optical devices as used herein are different types oflenses. First optic 306 and second optic 308 have the capability toconverge and diverge light beams emitted from light source 312. Asutilized herein, the term “set” may refer to at least one or more of anitem. Accordingly, a set of first optic 306 or a set of second optic 308may apply to a plurality of these optics. It is intended that lightfixture 302 include a set of first optics and a set of second optics toproduce a light fixture of any size to suit the various needs of a user.

FIG. 1A, FIG. 1B, and FIG. 1C show optic 106 which is a fluted lens andoptic 108. The term fluted as used herein and previously describedrefers to lines or ridges embedded in the surface of an optic lens. The“flutes” assist with diffusion of light from light source 312.

FIG. 1D, FIG. 1E, and FIG. 1F have two optics as well, which are firstoptic 118 and second optic 120. In accordance with one preferredembodiment, second optic 120 is a plano concave lens. A plano concavelens is typically flat on one side and curves inwardly on another side.First optic 118 operates as a converging lens in conjunction with TIRoptic 106.

TIR optic 106 (TIR as used herein is a total internal reflection optic)and 118 in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1D are exemplary embodiments of an internalreflective optics 306 in FIG. 3. An internal reflection optic is meantto refer to a optic enclosing light source 312 in a suitable shape andwith appropriate materials to enhance the output of light from lightsource 312. When the light output from light source 312 makes contactwith the interior sides of an internal reflection optic, such as firstoptic 306, less light is lost, i.e. greater optical-efficiency, becausea greater percentage of the light may be seen illuminating the area. Indifferent embodiments, first optic 306 may come in different shapes,including but not limited to, parabolic, conical, circular, ortriangular in shape.

The inclusion of first optic 306 and second optic 308 in associationwith adjustability mechanism assembly 314 enables the implementation ofthe adjustability of the light beams emitted from light source 312. Inaccordance with the methods previously described as FIG. 1A and FIG. 1Dand FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B, when second optic lens 308 is moved in a lineardirection towards or away from light source 312, the light beams emittedbecome variable in angle of light spread. In prior art, a user solelyhad the option to purchase auxiliary vehicle lighting that did notprovide any options after installation for varying angle of light spread324 once the auxiliary vehicle lighting was installed on the vehicle. Adriver thus needed to select either a flood light or a narrow spot lightor install multiple units to provide multiple angles of light spread.

The present embodiments provide several methods and apparatusconfigurations for achieving the useful and beneficial effect of varyingthe angle of light spread as well as shape of light output. By combiningadjustability mechanism assembly 314 capable of manipulating theposition of second optic 308 further away from first optic 306, a widerlight effect may be achieved. By combining adjustability mechanismassembly 314 capable of manipulating the position of second optic 308closer to first optic 306 on a linear axis, a narrower light spreadeffect may be achieved.

Because of the nature of electromechanical devices, there is a rangewithin which a user may adjust the set of light beams emitted from lightsource 312, whereby the range will move from narrowest to widest. It isintended herein that a user may progressively adjust second optic lens308 between a maximum point that is closest to light source 312 in orderto produce a spot light and a maximum point farthest away from lightsource 312 in order to produce a flood light.

Adjustability mechanism assembly 314 is intended to describe themechanics of how second optic 308 is moved towards or away from firstoptic 306. In FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B, illustrative embodiments are includedthat illustrate utilizing motor 502, shaft 504, cams 506 and 508, inconjunction with a first and second optic. It is intended thatadjustability mechanism assembly 314 may allow for various iterationsand means of causing second optic 308 to be moved along a horizontalaxis as needed to produce the desired angle of light spread or shape ofoutput of light. FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B may include further embodimentdescription of adjustability mechanism assembly 314.

Controller 318 provides the mechanism for either an automatic or manualmanipulation of the position of second optic 308 with respect to firstoptic 306. In one embodiment, a selector of some type is coupled to thelight fixture. A user may manually control the angle of light spread bymanually turning or pressing the selector for regulating the angle oflight spread.

In other embodiments, controller 318 is a programmable wire thatprojects from light fixture 302 and may be connected to power source 320for setting a particular angle of light spread 324. FIG. 6 and FIG. 7show this embodiment in greater detail.

Additionally, in accordance with some embodiments, controller 318 may beconnected to light fixture 302 either wirelessly or through a wiredconnection. FIG. 10 displays a controller that may be wirelesslyconnected to a configuration of a light fixture, such as light fixture302. Controller 318 may be a mechanism or a selector connected to lightfixture 302, which is further described and illustrated in FIGS. 8-11.

Turning to FIG. 4, a block diagram describing the components of anauxiliary light fixture for a vehicle are described in accordance withan illustrative embodiment. The different embodiments for FIG. 1G andFIG. 1J and FIG. 2C and FIG. 2D may be configured to operate inaccordance with components present in FIG. 4.

Light fixture 402 may be utilized as an auxiliary light fixture for anytype of vehicle. In a general embodiment, vehicle 418 may be any type ofautomobile. Vehicle 418 may also be a vehicle that is utilized as anemergency vehicle. In a preferred embodiment, vehicle 418 may bedescribed as an off-road vehicle. Off-road vehicles frequently travelover rough terrain in dark conditions, and have need for a lightfixture, such as light fixture 402, capable of adjusting from a narrowangle spot light to a wide angle flood light.

While well-suited to an off-road vehicle, lighting fixture 402 may alsoclearly be utilized in any type of automobile to suit the needs of itsdriver, including for driving in a city or suburban or agriculturalsetting. No limitations are placed herein on the use of light fixture402 or vehicle 418.

Light fixture 402 is an enclosed apparatus containing light source 404.In accordance with different illustrative embodiments, a preferredmethod includes using a set of light emitting diodes or LEDs as known inthe field. The term set as used herein may refer to a singular componentor plural. Light emitting diodes come in various sizes, but are oftensmall and compact and easy to assemble in series. Light emitting diodesprovide significant lighting options and brightness in terms of lumens.

Light output 410 refers to the output as well as the overall shape oflight beam projected by light source 404 as well as after the lightbeams are projected through any optics, such as Optic 406. Light output410 is thus the resulting effect of light after passing through anysurfaces after emission from light source 404. Angle of light spread 412refers to the angle of light spread of light output 410. As previouslydescribed, angle of light spread 412 is usually measured in degrees.Additionally, angle of light spread 412 is described in terms of verynarrow to narrow spot light and proceeds through variouscharacterizations of narrow light until a flood light results because aparticular range of degrees is achieved. Spot lights are usually meantto define or highlight a narrow area in front of a light source. Floodlights provide a wider view and general area of lighting in front of alight source. In a preferred embodiment, it is intended that the methodand apparatus described herein may achieve at least a narrow spot lightof at least 5×5 degrees and a wide flood light of at least but notlimited to 60×60 degrees, as depicted in FIGS. 2A-2D. Nevertheless, thisis meant to be exemplary, and not a limitation in any way on thedimensions or angles achieved for the angle of light spread 412 or lightoutput 410.

Housing 408 is meant to describe part of the overall structurecontaining the components of light fixture 402. Housing 408 may be partof the overall apparatus. In some embodiments, housing 408 may becoupled with light fixture 402. Light fixture 402 may ultimately beinstalled as an after-market accessory or with the vehicle. Lightfixture 402 is intended in the different embodiments to includecomponents for installation of light fixture 402 onto a surface of avehicle. Typically, light fixtures, such as light fixture 402, may bemounted to the front of a vehicle's surface, the roof of a vehicle,mounted on a side of a vehicle or on a side mirror to provide accent andadditional lighting. However, there are no limitations as to theplacement of light fixture 402.

Power source 420 provides the power to the unit of light fixture 402. Inaccordance with some embodiments of the invention, power source 420 maybe the power distribution system of a vehicle which is commonly known toone of ordinary skill in the art as a car battery. Light fixture 402will include a component for connecting to the car battery or powerports in a vehicle, such as vehicle 418.

Optic 406 is an optic whose surface features and material allow for thetransfer and distribution of light through the optical device. Inaccordance with the illustrative embodiments, such optical devices asused herein are different types of lenses. A set of optics, such asoptic 406 has the capability to converge and diverge light beams emittedfrom light source 404. As utilized herein, the term “set” may refer toat least one or more of an item. Accordingly, a set may apply to aplurality of these optics. It is intended that light fixture 402includes a set of optics, such as optic 406, that of any size to suitthe various needs of a user.

In accordance with the embodiments shown in FIG. 1G and FIG. 1J, FIG. 4provides a block diagram of components that may be used to achieve avariable light output, when a single optic is positioned relative to alight source. Channel 422, as discussed above in paragraph 38, is achannel that may exist when using the method and apparatus as shown inFIG. 1J. Channel 422 may be similar to channel 134 shown in FIG. 1L.Channel 422 is located within the interior of optic 406, which isintended to be a TIR optic. Channel 422 allows for optic 406 to move ina linear direction forwards and backwards. By utilizing optic 406 and alight source, such as light source 404, affixed in the hollow base ofoptic 406, greater efficiency and emission of a focused direction ofoutput of light 410 may be achieved, as compared with the embodimentshown in FIG. 1I.

In some embodiments, optic 406 may be a free-standing optic, and notnecessarily a total internal reflection optic. This method and apparatusis reflected as the embodiments shown in FIG. 1G, FIG. 1H, and FIG. 1I.In such an embodiment, an optic, such as optic 406, is substantiallyaligned with the light emitting side of light source 404 and locatedalong a horizontal axis on a mechanism that allows for optic 406 to bemoved linearly towards and away from light source 404. However, thepreferred method and apparatus would include a total internal reflectionoptic, as this may be more efficient. In such embodiments, adjustabilitymechanism assembly 414 may still be used to affect the position of optic406 with respect to light source 404.

Adjustability mechanism assembly 414 is intended to describe themechanics of how optic 406 is moved towards or away from light source404. In FIG. 5C and FIG. 5D, one illustrative embodiment is includedthat illustrates utilizing motor 502, shaft 504, cam 506, in conjunctionwith an optic. It is intended that adjustability mechanism assembly 414may allow for various iterations and means of causing optic 406 to bemoved along a horizontal axis as needed to produce the desired angle oflight spread or shape of output of light. FIG. 5C and FIG. 5D include afurther embodiment description of adjustability mechanism assembly 414.

Controller 416 provides the mechanism for either an automatic or manualmanipulation of the position of optic 406 with respect to light source404. In one embodiment, a selector of some type is coupled to the lightfixture. A user may manually control the angle of light spread bymanually turning or pressing the selector for regulating the angle oflight spread.

In other embodiments, controller 416 is a programmable wire thatprojects from light fixture 402 and may be connected to power source 420for setting a particular angle of light spread 412. FIG. 6 and FIG. 7describe this embodiment in greater detail.

Additionally, in accordance with some embodiments, controller 416 may beconnected to light fixture 402 either wirelessly or through a wiredconnection. FIGS. 10 and 11 display a controller that may be wirelesslyconnected to a configuration of a light fixture, such as light fixture402. Controller 416 may be a mechanism or a selector connected to lightfixture 402, which is further described and illustrated in FIGS. 8-11.

Turning to FIG. 5A-FIG. 5B, FIG. 5A-FIG. 5B provide pictorialillustrations of adjustability mechanism assemblies, and may be utilizedin some embodiments for adjustability mechanism assembly 314 and 414. InFIG. 5A is an illustration of motor 502, shaft 504, cams 506 and 508,and moveable arm 514. These elements are utilized to adjust with themechanical operation of second optic 512.

In some embodiments, motor 502 may be configured to reside within aninterior portion of light fixture that is attachable to a surface of avehicle, such as light fixture 302 and vehicle 316. However, dependingon various designs and configurations, motor 502 may also be configuredto be attached to the exterior of light fixture 302 or even to beremotely connected to light fixture 302 in other configurations. Motor502 may be created using various existing motors. A preferred embodimentutilizes a servo motor, which provides information about the specificlocation an optic is positioned and the exact degrees achieved for angleof light spread. Another embodiment uses a stepper motor. Various motorsinvolve other considerations including cost of the motor and overalldesign, however, it is intended that in some embodiments, a motormachine is used to generate power from power source 320 to the othermoving parts of adjustability mechanism assembly 314. The other movingparts herein include shaft 504, cams 506 and 508, and moveable arm 514.The generation of power through motor 502 using these additionalcomponents allows for second optic 512 to be moved closer or fartheraway from first optic 510. FIG. 5A provides an exemplary adjustabilitymechanism to use along with the optic assembly illustrated in FIG. 1A,FIG. 1B, and FIG. 1C.

Accordingly, FIG. 5B illustrates optic 516 and 518 which correlate tooptic 118 and 120 shown in FIG. 1D, FIG. 1E, and FIG. 1F. FIG. 5Ccorrelates to the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 1G, FIG. 1H, and FIG.1I. LED 520 as pictured in FIG. 5C may correlate to a method of use ofLED 122 as illustrated in FIG. 1G, FIG. 1H, and FIG. 1I. The optic 522in FIG. 5C is described in one preferred embodiment to be a plano-convexlens, and is also illustrated as optic 126 in FIG. 1H.

FIG. 5D illustrates an embodiment in accordance with the embodimentsshown in FIG. 1J, FIG. 1K, and FIG. 1L. In FIG. 5D, LED 524 correlatesto LED 128 in FIG. 1J. Channel 528 correlates to channel 134 in FIG. 1L.In accordance with an embodiment as previously described for theembodiments shown in FIG. 1J, FIG. 1K, and FIG. 1L, TIR and plano convexoptic 526 may be manipulated to move towards LED 524, whereby LED 524 isfixedly located within channel 528.

In accordance with an embodiment, the optics and correspondingcomponents as illustrated in FIG. 5A, FIG. 5B, FIG. 5C, and FIG. 5D maybe configured to operate in conjunction with a motor, such as motor 502,cams, such as cams 506 and 508, and a movable horizontal arm such as arm514. Additional components and elements may be needed or provided forcombining the components of FIGS. 5A-5D together. This illustrationprovides for one embodiment, but is not intended to be exhaustive of themechanics of any manner for adjusting the position of the optics withrespect to the light sources or LEDs.

Turning to FIG. 6, a method for controlling an adjustability mechanismassembly is provided, such as adjustability mechanism assembly 314 inFIG. 3. The “controller” in FIG. 6 is a programmable wire that extendsfrom the surface of the light fixtures 602 and 604. Light fixture 604 islarger in dimensions than light fixture 602 to indicate that it isintended that the different embodiments may be applicable to lightfixtures of varying sizes. Otherwise, light fixture 602 and 604 mayoperate following the same method and using the same components.

Programmable wire 606 and programmable wire 608 each operate as a wirethat may be electrically connected. The power source in a vehicle istypically the vehicle battery, which has a positive and negative port.The method for controlling or activating the adjustability mechanismassembly for the optics in light fixture 602 and light fixture 608 is totap programmable wire 606 and 608 against power source 610 or 612. Byproviding such user electrical inputs, the optics in a light fixture,such as light fixtures 602 and 604, may be moved to positions desirableby the user to produce a particular angle of light spread.

FIG. 7 displays a block diagram of components used in conjunction withthe method described in FIG. 6 in accordance with some illustrativeembodiments. Light bar head 704 is an equivalent term to light fixtureas utilized in FIGS. 1-6. Light bar head 704 is equivalent in meaning tolight fixtures 602 and 604. Optic head 712 refers to the series ofsecond optics located within light bar head 704. Optic head 712 may be aterm to generally refer to the set of second optics utilized in lightbar head 704 and in accordance with further discussion regarding secondoptic 308. User programmable electrical inputs 702 are the inputsprovided when a user utilizes the method as described in FIG. 6 toelectrically program the optic head to move to a position as desired bythe user to achieve a particular angle of light spread. A programmablewire, such as programmable wires 606 and 608 may be put in contact witha power source, such as a car battery and vehicle power source 706 inorder to detect the programmable electrical inputs from the user.

Further elements of an embodiment of a light stick utilizing such acontroller may include a microcontroller, such as microcontroller 710and a power regulator, such as power regulator 708. A power regulatormay serve to control the power distribution path. In addition, the powerregulator may provide additional functions such as filtering power noisecoming from the vehicle power source, providing safety measures againstinstallation mistakes, regulating voltage levels for devices requiringdifferent operating voltages and limiting the current draw.

LED/LED Driver 714 may be utilized to operate LEDS when LEDS areutilized as the light source. Motor driver 716 is also pictured in FIG.7. A motor driver, such as motor driver 716, may serve to control thespeed of rotation of an attached motor unit, such as motor 502 picturedin FIG. 5. Furthermore, a motor driver, such as motor driver 716, maycontrol the direction of rotation, limit power during motor stalls andregulate the amount of current drawn.

Accordingly, FIGS. 6 and 7 provided for a controller that consists of aprogrammable wire and a power source to activate the optics within alight fixture configured to operate in accordance with the methods asdescribed for the embodiments shown in FIG. 1A-FIG. 4.

FIG. 8 shows another type of controller used to maneuver the optics in alight fixture and select a particular angle of light spread. Controller802 is a wired controller, and may include in one or more embodimentsconnecting wires 806, 808, and 810 which may connect controller 802 toone or more light fixtures, such as light fixtures 812, 814, and 816.Controller Front 802 is displayed with a user controlled knob orselector 818. A user is enabled to turn the knob or selector 818 to aparticular set of degrees. The set of degrees as displayed on thecontroller front 802 interface in FIG. 8 is pictured as ranging from tendegrees to sixty degrees. This is meant not as a limitation on theembodiments but as an example. A ten degree selection on controllerfront 802 would indicate that the user desires to produce a spotlighteffect with the light fixture coupled to controller front 802. The userhas the option to also turn the knob or selector 818 all the way tosixty degrees in order to achieve a flood light effect with the samelight fixture unit.

Controller Back 804 is pictured for exemplary purposes as a rear view ofan embodiment of controller 802. As is illustrated, there is a wiredremote control connection through the ports pictured as located oncontroller back 804. In one or more embodiments, connecting wires 806,808, and 810 may connect to the one or more ports included on controller802 and shown on controller back 804. Three light fixtures are includedin FIG. 8. Light fixture 812, light fixture 814, and light fixture 816,indicating that such a controller, as controller 802 is capable ofcontrolling one or more light fixtures at the same time keeping thefocused light of the one or more light fixtures light spread at the sameangle of light spread. Thus, when the user selects the ten degrees onthe controller front 802, the angle of light spread for any of the lightfixtures 812, 814, and 816 that are connected to controller 802, may allbe set to ten degree setting. In another embodiment, controller 802 mayonly be connected to a single light fixture unit. The user may also turnoff the light fixtures at any time by turning the user knob or selector818 to the “Off” position on the front interface of controller 802,which has been pictorially illustrated in FIG. 8. Additionally,controller 802 will receive its power from the set of light fixturesthat controller 802 may be connected to, because the light fixtures arealready connected to a power source, as indicated by the car battery820, 822, and 824. This figure of a wired controller is meant toillustrate the type of controller that a user may choose to install inthe interior of his or her vehicle or at least keep in close proximityto the user. The user is thus able to dynamically and selectivelycontrol the angle of light spread for the light fixtures that arecoupled to controller rear 804. Accordingly, FIG. 8 illustrates thebenefits and usefulness of some of the inventive concepts as describedherein.

A user may control a single or many light fixtures with a singlecontroller to achieve a much greater range of light output options interms of angle of light spread. When coupling multiple light fixturestogether on a vehicle, the user is provided with even greater and moreamplified light output to view the surrounding area. As previouslydiscussed, if the vehicle is an off-road vehicle or an emergencyvehicle, such additional light power and range of light spread can bevery useful for driving under various conditions and over difficultterrain.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram with several envisioned components to achievethe controller described in FIG. 8, in accordance with some illustrativeembodiments. FIG. 9 is a block diagram for a wired controller, aspictured in FIG. 8 as controller 802 and 804. User knob 902 is aselector enabling a user to control the angle of light spread of anylight fixtures or light sticks that are connected to controller 926.Position decoder 904 deciphers the user input from user knob 902 todetermine where to position optic head 922 in light bar head 914. Aposition decoder, such as position decoder 904, may further be used toread and communicate back to microcontroller 906 the position of userknob 902. A microcontroller is included as microcontroller 906. Wiredcommunication transmitter 908 relays data obtained from user knob 902 tocommunication receiver/controller 918 to relay to optic head 922.Additional components may be added to the machines listed in FIG. 9 andsubstitutions may be made. FIG. 9 is not an exhaustive list ofcomponents that may be utilized in conjunction with controller 802 andlight fixtures 812, 814, and 816, but rather serves to illustrate anembodiment of such items. In one or more embodiments, controller 926 mayfurther include a power regulator, such as power regulator 910, whichmay be coupled to vehicle power source 912 in one or more embodiments.Further, as shown in FIG. 9, in one or more embodiments, light bar head914 may further include a power regulator, such as power regulator 916,a motor driver, such as motor driver 920, an LED/LED driver, such asLED/LED driver 924. Motor driver 920 and LED/LED driver 924 may operateas known those of ordinary skill in the art and further in accordancewith the description included above.

Turning now to FIG. 10, an additional method of controlling the opticsfor adjusting the angle of light spread is illustrated herein. FIG. 10illustrates another exemplary controller system. In FIG. 10, acontroller mount is pictured. Controller mount 1018 is a wirelesscontroller. Controller mount 1018 includes a wireless transmitter fortransmitting data recorded using components internal to controller mount1018. A light fixture, such as light fixture 1008 or 1012 furtherincludes a wireless receiver for receiving data transmitted from thewireless transmitter in controller mount 1018, which is furtherillustrated in FIG. 10.

Controller mount 1018 further includes a built in acceleration sensorand an angular displacement sensor. It is intended that the embodimentpictured herein is configured to obtain data regarding the recordedspeed of the vehicle in which controller mount 1018 is mounted. Suchdata regarding the speed may then be utilized to automatically adjustand set the angle of light spread to a pre-determined angle that may bethe best suited to assist a driver moving over terrain at thatparticular speed. For example, if a driver is moving very fast, thedriver may prefer a spot light beam to that of a flood light beam sothat the driver has a greater visibility over a longer distance. Theacceleration sensor built into controller mount 1018 has the capabilityof transmitting wirelessly this data to the light fixture coupled to thevehicle.

Controller mount 1018 is pictured in FIG. 10 as mounted to the steeringwheel, steering wheel 1016. Controller mount 1018 in various embodimentsmay be permanently attached or temporarily attached to steering wheel1016. Furthermore, controller mount 1018 in an embodiment includes abuilt in angular displacement sensor. In one embodiment, the built inangular displacement sensor is configured to adjust the optics includedin the light fixture, such as light fixture 1008 or 1012, to provide aflood beam when steering wheel 1016 is turning and to focus the angle oflight spread for these light fixtures when steering wheel 1016 isstraightened. This is an example of how controller mount 1018 may becoupled with an angular displacement sensor and an acceleration sensorto pair their features and capabilities with the light fixtures, thusachieving better dynamic use of the light output from the light fixturesand the vehicle. In one or more embodiments, light fixture 1008 may becoupled to power source 1010 and light fixture 1012 may be coupled topower source 1014.

A third element of controller mount 1018 is a manual control setting.Accordingly, the user may have buttons or selectors as pictured asselectors 1002, 1004, and 1006 as buttons and arrows that are configuredto allow the user to change the degree spread from focused spot lightthrough a range of spreads to achieve a wide flood light. Manual controlbuttons may be in the form of any selector type device known to one ofordinary skill in the art, including buttons, arrows, knobs, dials,levers, as well as touch screen selectors in accordance with the kindthat appear on control screens for smart phones and tablets.

Turning to FIG. 11, a block diagram for a wireless controller mount isprovided. FIG. 11 may provide components useful to the controller mountas pictured in FIG. 10 and described above. Controller 1116 is awireless controller mount intended to exemplify wireless controllermount 1018 as pictured in FIG. 10. Controller mount 1116 is envisionedto include manual control buttons 1122, an acceleration sensor 1120, andan angular displacement sensor 1118. Acceleration sensor 1120 is theacceleration sensor described in FIG. 10, configured with the ability todetermine the speed of the vehicle in which the controller is mounted.Angular displacement sensor 1018 is configured to provide data regardingthe tilt of steering wheel on which the controller is mounted. The tiltof the steering wheel may provide data for adjusting the angle of spreadof light output from the light fixtures.

Wireless transmitter 1126 is envisioned to be included in controller1116. Wireless transmitter 1126 transmits data from wireless controller1116 to wireless receiver 1114 located in light fixture 1104 or lightbar head as it is may be termed. A vehicle power source such as a carbattery is included as vehicle power source 1102. Optic head 1112operates in accordance with the methods described above in FIG. 1A-FIG.4 to manipulate the optics existing in light fixture 1104 to change theangle of light spread and light output. In one or more embodiments,light bar fixture 1104 may further include a power regulator, such aspower regulator 1106, a motor driver, such as motor driver 1108, anLED/LED driver, such as LED/LED driver 1110 as known to those ofordinary skill in the art. Further, in one or more embodiments, wirelesscontroller 1116 may include a power regulator, such as power regulator1124 and a microcontroller, such as microcontroller 1128. In one or moreembodiments, power regulator 1124 may be coupled to battery power source1130. Thus a variety of control options have been discussed for bothmanually and automatically adjusting the light output and angle ofspread of the light fixture to change from a focused spot light to awide flood light. This is merely exemplary and not intended to be anexhaustive list or limitations on the methods or processes forcontrolling any light fixtures coupled to a vehicle.

Regarding FIG. 12, FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a process forvarying an angle of spread of a light source in a light fixture coupledto a surface of a vehicle in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.The process in FIG. 12 may be performed by a system for adjusting aposition of a set of optics with respect to a set of second opticsproximately located to a light source, such as the system discussed inFIG. 3. The process in FIG. 12 may also be performed by a system foradjusting a position of an optic proximately located to a light source,such as the system discussed in FIG. 4.

The process may begin by making a determination whether a control inputwas received (step 1202). If so, the process proceeds to transmit thecontrol input to a mechanism configured for adjusting the apparatus foraltering the angle of light spread from a light source, (step 1204). Ina preferred embodiment, the light source may be a set of light emittingdiodes (LED or LED's).

Next, in accordance with one embodiment, a determination is made whetherthe light fixture has at least a set of first and second optics (step1206). Next in the process in FIG. 12, if there are a set of first andsecond optics, then a determination is made if the received controlinput indicates to move the set of second optics closer to the set offirst optics to produce a spot light or further from the set of firstoptics to produce a wider flood light effect. (step 1208). FIG. 3depicts a light fixture with components in accordance with this methodand these embodiments. The set of second optics are thus positionedrelative to the set of first optics according to the control input.(step 1214) As seen in FIGS. 6-11, various controllers are illustratedfor receiving control inputs and commands. Control inputs may bemanually entered by a user or automatically detected. The controllersupplying the control input may be a programmable wire as seen in FIGS.6-7, or may be a manual control knob that a user adjusts as needed. Thecontroller supplying the control input may also be supplied through acontrol box located adjacent to a user, who is able to indicate thelevel needed for the angle of light spread as seen in FIGS. 8-9. Thecontrol inputs may also be automatically determined utilizing sensorsand preprogrammed responses for resulting angle of spread as seen inFIGS. 10-11. Various methods and systems have been discussed herein forsupplying the control input to activate the set of second optics withrespect to the first optic at a desired position.

If the light fixture does not include a set of second optics, then adetermination is made whether the received control input indicateswhether to move an optic closer to a light source to produce a wideflood light or whether the received control input indicates to move anoptic further away from the light source along a linear axis to producea narrow spot light. (step 1210). The process then proceeds to step1212, whereby the optic is positioned according to a control input withrespect to the light source. The process may terminate thereafter or becontinuously repeated to suit the needs of the user.

As previously described, a spot light effect occurs when a set of lightbeams are emitted at a lower angle of spread, so as to be directed andfocused in a narrow projection on a small area. A flood light beameffect, as previously described, occurs when a set of light beams areemitted at a higher angle of spread, so as to be more widely spread outand cover a wider, general area of illumination. In some systems, theoverall dimensions and shape of the output of light may also be alteredto produce an elliptical shape instead of a circular shape. The overallprocess may end or may continually be repeated until the power providedby a power source to the light fixture is turned off or completelydiminished.

The detailed description of the illustrative embodiments above isdescribed in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art topractice the invention. To avoid unnecessary detail, the description mayhave omitted certain information known to those skilled in the art.

Although the illustrative embodiments described herein have beendisclosed in the context of certain illustrative, non-limitingembodiments, it should be understood that various changes,substitutions, permutations, and alterations can be made withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention as defined by the appendedclaims. Any feature that is described in connection to any oneembodiment may also be applicable to any other embodiment. It is alsounderstood that other embodiments may be utilized and that logicalstructural, mechanical and electrical changes may be made withoutdeparting from the spirit or scope of the invention.

What is claimed:
 1. A lighting fixture for vehicles, comprising: a lightstick, wherein the light stick is an enclosed module comprising: a setof light emitting diodes, wherein the set of light emitting diodes arecontained in the light stick, wherein the set of light emitting diodesproduce an output of light; an optic disposed over each light emittingdiode of the set of light emitting diodes, wherein the optic is a rigidoptic, and further wherein the optic is moveable towards and away fromthe set of light emitting diodes; and an adjustability mechanism,wherein the adjustability mechanism is configured to move the optic in alinear direction both towards and away from the each light emittingdiode, wherein the output of light is variable dependent on the positionof the optic with respect to the each light emitting diode, wherein thelight stick is configured to be mounted to a surface of a vehicle. 2.The lighting fixture of claim 1, wherein the optic is an internallyreflecting optic coupled with a convex optic.
 3. The lighting fixture ofclaim 1, wherein the optic includes a channel, wherein the each lightemitting diode is fixedly located within a hollow space of the channel.4. The lighting fixture of claim 3, wherein the hollow space of thechannel provides a space for the optic to move linearly towards and awayfrom the each light emitting diode.
 5. The lighting fixture of claim 1,wherein the output of light is capable of ranging from a narrow lightspread to a wide light spread depending on the position of the opticwith respect to the light emitting diode.
 6. The lighting fixture ofclaim 1, wherein the optic is formed as a rigid plano convex lensembedded in a rigid TIR optic.
 7. The lighting fixture of claim 1,wherein a controller is coupled to the lighting fixture, wherein thecontroller is comprised of at least one programmable wire, wherein theprogrammable wire is applied to a power source to adjust the angle ofspread to the particular angle of spread that is satisfactory to a user.8. The lighting fixture of claim 1, wherein the lighting fixture iscoupled to a manual control selector, wherein the manual controlselector provides a user with an ability to make the selection for theparticular angle of spread by manipulating the manual control selectorto manually select the particular angle of spread on the lightingfixture, wherein the lighting fixture is coupled to a power source. 9.The lighting fixture of claim 1, wherein the controller is locatedwithin the interior of the vehicle in proximity to a user, wherein thecontroller includes a selector device for adjusting the angle of lightspread of the output of light from the lighting fixture, wherein thecontroller includes an interface display that displays the range ofdegrees available for selecting a particular angle of light spread byusing the selector device.
 10. The lighting fixture of claim 1, whereinthe controller for the light fixture is mounted to a surface of asteering wheel affixed to the vehicle, wherein the controller furthercomprises: an angular displacement sensor, wherein the angle of light isautomatically adjusted to pre-designated settings for the angle of lightto spread in conjunction with an act of turning the steering wheel; anacceleration sensor, wherein the angle of light is automaticallyadjusted in relation to a set of speeds as detected by the accelerationsensor; a set of manual control selectors, wherein the set of manualcontrol selectors are located on the controller, and further wherein theset of manual control selectors allow the user to select the angle ofspread directly on the controller as located on the steering wheel; anda wireless transmitter, wherein the wireless transmitter communicatesdata received from the controller to a wireless receiver located withinthe lighting fixture in order to change the angle of light spread forthe output of light.
 11. A method for varying an angle of light spreadfor a light fixture coupled to a surface of a vehicle, comprising:responsive to receiving a control input, transmitting the control inputin order to manipulate a position of an optic with respect to a lightsource, wherein the optic is moveable along a linear axis both towardsand away from the light source, and wherein both the light source andthe optic are encapsulated in the light fixture, wherein the opticcomprises a rigid optic formed as a plano convex lens embedded in arigid TIR optic, and the light fixture is an enclosed module; andactivating a mechanism for positioning the optic with respect to thelight source to achieve a desired angle of light spread, wherein thedesired angle of light spread for the light fixture is variable bychanging the position of the optic with respect to the light source. 12.A lighting fixture for vehicles, comprising: a light stick, wherein thelight stick is an enclosed module, comprising: a set of light emittingdiodes, wherein the set of light emitting diodes are contained in thelight stick, wherein the set of light emitting diodes produce an outputof light; an optic disposed over each of the light emitting diodes ofthe set of light emitting diodes, wherein the optic comprises a rigidoptic formed as a plano convex lens embedded in a rigid TIR optic; andan adjustability mechanism, wherein the adjustability mechanism isconfigured to manipulate a position of the optic linearly with respectto each of the set of light emitting diodes, wherein the output of lightprovided by the set of light emitting diodes is capable of adjustmentover a range of angles of light spread depending on the position of theoptic respective to each of the set of light emitting diodes.
 13. Thelighting fixture of claim 12, wherein the optic comprises a channelhaving a hollow space on a bottom surface of the optic.
 14. The lightingfixture of claim 13, wherein the hollow space of the channel isconfigured to provide a space for the optic to move linearly towards andaway from each of the set of light emitting diodes.
 15. The lightingfixture of claim 12 wherein the adjustability mechanism is coupled tothe optic.
 16. The method of claim 11, further comprising producing aspot light by moving the optic away from the light source.
 17. Themethod of claim 11 further comprising producing a flood light beam bymoving the optic towards the light source.
 18. The lighting fixture ofclaim 12, wherein the light output is alterable in both angle of lightspread and overall shape.
 19. The lighting fixture of claim 12, whereina controller is a selector attached to the light fixture.
 20. Thelighting fixture of claim 12, wherein a controller is mounted to asteering wheel of the vehicle, wherein the controller is wirelesslyconnected to the light fixture.